62 THE HORSE 



preceded by the appearance of the water bladder extern- 

 ally, and the rupture of this should immediately be 

 followed by the presentation of the foal in its normal 

 position, viz. both fore limbs \Yith the head lying between 

 and the muzzle directed forwards. Deviations from 

 normal presentations are quite common, and when they 

 do occur it is absolutely essential to send for professional 

 assistance as speedily as possible. Delay in doing so may 

 mean the loss of a foal and complicate matters, whilst 

 interference by the uninitiated will probably lead to the 

 death of the mare. The author cannot too strongly 

 emphasise the importance of having professional assist- 

 ance. The owner should never allow anyone to interfere 

 with the mare when in this condition. The country is 

 overrun with empirical humbugs, i.e. unquahfied men, 

 who are wholly unfitted, except in imagination only, to 

 perform the duties of a duly qualified practitioner. If 

 the public would only make themselves acquainted with 

 a man's qualifications before employing him the general 

 community and the Hve stock of the country would be a 

 thousand-fold better off. The author has a thorough 

 detestation for those individuals who profess knowledge 

 without possessing it. It is a rank form of charlatanism 

 and should be dealt with in the manner it deserves. 

 This, however, is merely digression from the subject now 

 under consideration. Directly the foal is bom the cord 

 should be tied about two inches from the body of the foal 

 — a piece of sterilised catgut or twine can be used. A 

 double ligature about one and a half inches apart on the 

 cord is the best method of application, and then the cord 

 severed between the ligatures. (See " Specific Diseases, re 

 Septic Arthritis in the Foal.") The foal rapidly gains 

 strength after it is bom and may begin to suck right 

 away, but a little assistance from the attendant will 

 generally help the matter a good deal. Some foals^are 

 very stupid and are several days old before they make 

 any real headway in sucking. In cases of this kind the 



